Submerged wave generation system

ABSTRACT

A wave generation system may comprise a submerged platform. The submerged platform may be attached to the bottom of a body of water by cables or pilings. A wave generator may be coupled to the submerged platform. The wave generator may create waves above the submerged platform. The shape of the submerged platform may dictate the shape of the waves. The submerged platform may be adjusted by raising or lowering the submerged platform. The shape of the submerged platform may be adjusted by adjusting the pitch of various sections of the submerged platform. A portion of the energy in the generated waves may be transmitted beyond the submerged platform and dissipated by a surrounding body of water.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 62/220,402 entitled “SUBMERGED WAVE GENERATION SYSTEM” and filed onSep. 18, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated by referenceherein in their entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to wave generation systems, and morespecifically to wave generation systems suitable for surfing.

BACKGROUND

Numerous systems for creating man-made waves have been designed, such aswave pools, artificial reefs, devices, which are towed behind a boat,etc. However, creating man-made waves suitable for surfing and otherrecreational purposes presents many challenges. For example, the costsinvolved in obtaining land, permitting, construction, filling withwater, and filtering the water to swimming pool standards may be veryhigh. Additionally, in conventional wave pools, the waves reflect off ofthe pool boundaries and create undesirable reflections and secondary,waves which interfere with the quality and breaking characteristics ofthe primary wave. Existing wave pools may require periods of non-use toallow the water to calm before generating additional waves suitable forsurfing.

Further, the ability to adjust the breaking characteristics of the wavesis expensive and difficult to achieve as a result of the scale of suchfacilities. The characteristics of a breaking wave have a tremendousimpact on the type, quality, duration, and safety of a participant'sexperience while riding the wave. For example, beginning surfers andsmall children may prefer soft, crumbling waves that break with lesspower and force. This forgiving, less intense wave allows them todevelop their skills and build confidence without the fear of thepotential consequences from falling, such as being held under water foran extended period of time. In contrast, more experienced surfers maydesire an aggressively breaking, or barreling wave that allows them totap into the increased energy of this type of wave to perform maneuverssuch as aerials, tube rides, and cut-backs.

SUMMARY

A wave generation system may comprise a submerged platform. Thesubmerged platform may be attached to the bottom of a body of water bycables or pilings, be held underwater using ballast, be supported usingupthrust, or utilize any combination of these. A wave generator may becoupled to, or detached and adjacent to, the submerged platform. Thewave generator may create waves above the submerged platform. The shapeof the submerged platform may dictate the shape of the waves. Thesubmerged platform may be adjusted by raising or lowering the submergedplatform. The shape of the submerged platform may be adjusted byadjusting the pitch of various sections of the submerged platform. Aportion of the energy in the generated waves may be transmitted beyondthe submerged platform and dissipated by a surrounding body of water, awave attenuation system, or both of working in concert.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed outand distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. Amore complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may bestbe obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims whenconsidered in connection with the drawing figures, wherein like numeralsdenote like elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a wave generation system in accordancewith various embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a section view of a wave generation system inaccordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a wave generation system having apartial circular submerged platform in accordance with variousembodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a section view of a wave generation system with aportion of the submerged platform located above water in accordance withvarious embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a wave generation system with a submerged hullgenerator in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a section view of a single-sided wave generationsystem in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a section view of a wave generation system having agas buoyancy system in accordance with various embodiments of thedisclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a wave generation system with a first interior pitchhaving a curved edge in accordance with various embodiments of thedisclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a wave generation system with a double-sided hullgenerator on a column in accordance with various embodiments of thedisclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a wave generation system comprising a vortexgenerator in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates a wave generation system having a curved exteriorpitch in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure; and

FIG. 12 illustrates the wave generation system of FIG. 11 at a lowerdepth in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description of various embodiments herein makes referenceto the accompanying drawings, which show various embodiments by way ofillustration. While these various embodiments are described insufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice theinventions, it should be understood that other embodiments may berealized and that logical, chemical and mechanical changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions. Thus, thedetailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustrationonly and not of limitation. For example, the steps recited in any of themethod or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are notnecessarily limited to the order presented.

Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, andany reference to more than one component or step may include a singularembodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected orthe like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, fulland/or any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any referenceto without contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contactor minimal contact. Surface shading lines may be used throughout thefigures to denote different parts but not necessarily to denote the sameor different materials. In some cases, reference coordinates may bespecific to each figure.

Various wave generation systems having a submerged platform aredisclosed. The platform may be submerged in a body of water, such as alake or a bay. A hull generator may travel in a circular pattern on theplatform. The hull generator creates waves which are suitable forrecreational activities, such as surfing. As the hull generator moves ina circle, the hull generator may create waves to the interior of thecircle, the exterior of the circle, or both.

As the hull generator creates the waves, the hull generator adds atremendous amount of kinetic energy into the system. Without dissipatingthis energy somehow, the water may become turbulent over time and becomeunsuitable for creating desirable surfing waves. However, in the systemsdescribed herein, the waves may transmit a portion of this energy beyondthe exterior edge of the submerged platform. Additionally, the waves maytransmit a portion of this energy through an interior absorption area.The energy may be transmitted to the larger body of water, which may actas an energy sink and naturally dissipate the energy.

Referring to FIG. 1, a top view of a wave generation system (“WGS”) 100is illustrated according to various embodiments. The WGS 100 is locatedin a body of water 110, such as a lake or bay. In various embodiments,the WGS 100 may be located in a man-made pool which is larger than theWGS 100. The WGS 100 may be generally annular in shape, and the WGS 100may comprise a series of concentric features. The WGS 100 may comprisean exterior ring 118 or series of exterior rings. The exterior ring 118may comprise an outer walkway which allows users to walk around the WGS100. The exterior ring 118 may further comprise buildings 130, such asrestrooms, restaurants, retail buildings, etc. Water and electricallines may be coupled to the exterior ring 118 to provide power and waterto the buildings 130. The exterior ring 118 may comprise one or moredocks 135. Boats may tie up to the docks 135 to load or unloadpassengers. The exterior ring 118 may comprise an energy dissipationsystem. The energy dissipation system may dissipate energy from wavesgenerated inside of the exterior ring 118. The energy dissipation systemmay also dissipate energy from waves outside of the exterior ring 118which would otherwise enter the WGS 100. Many types of energydissipation systems are known to those skilled in the art, some of whichare described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,221, which is hereby incorporatedby reference in its entirety.

The WGS 100 may comprise an interior ring 122. The interior ring 122 maycomprise a walkway which allows users to walk around on the interiorring 122. The interior ring 122 may support buildings, such asrestrooms, restaurants, retail buildings, etc. A wave generator may belocated below the walkway. A variety of wave generators are known tothose skilled in the art. For example, the wave generator may comprise ahull generator, which is an object which is driven through water todisplace water and create waves, and is discussed in more detail herein.In various embodiments, the interior ring 122 may form a completecircle. The wave generator may travel around the circle. In variousembodiments, the wave generator may continuously travel around thecircle, creating one or more endless waves suitable for surfing. Thewave generator may create an exterior wave 131, which extends radiallyoutward from the interior ring 122. The wave generator may also createan interior wave 132, which extends radially inward from the interiorring 122. In various embodiments, the wave generator may create multiplewaves at different locations about the interior ring 122. For example,the wave generator may create 2 sets of interior/exterior waves 180degrees apart about the interior ring. Similarly, the wave generator maycreate 3 sets of waves separated by 120 degrees, or any other number ofsuitable waves.

The WGS 100 may comprise a central deck 104. The central deck 104 may belocated at the center of the WGS 100. The central deck 104 may belocated above an interior energy dissipation mechanism, as furtherdescribed herein. The waves created by the wave generator may introducea large amount of energy into the WGS 100. A portion of the energy maybe dissipated by the energy dissipation systems located below theexterior ring 118 and the central deck 104. Additionally, a portion ofthe energy may pass through the energy dissipation system below theexterior ring 118 and be transmitted to the surrounding body of water. Aportion of the energy may pass through the energy dissipation systembelow the central deck 104 and exit the WGS 100 through an interiorabsorption area below the central deck 104 and be transmitted to thesurrounding body of water.

In various embodiments, a portion of the WGS 100 may be located adjacentto a land mass 150. Positioning the WGS 100 adjacent to the land mass150 may allow for easy access to the WGS 100 for users, as well as forutilities such as power, electrical, water, and sewer.

Referring to FIG. 2, a section view of the WGS 100 is illustratedaccording to various embodiments. A section of the exterior ring 118 maycomprise a reflection wall 202. The reflection wall 202 may extend belowthe surface of the surrounding body of water. The reflection wall 202may be constructed of a rigid material, such as concrete. The reflectionwall 202 may reflect wave energy away from the land mass. Thus, thereflection wall 202 may prevent the generated waves from eroding orotherwise causing damage to the land mass. However, the majority of theexterior ring 118 may not comprise a reflection wall and may allow thewave energy to exit under the exterior ring 118 in order to removeenergy from within the WGS 100.

The WGS 100 may comprise one or more hull generators 205. The hullgenerators 205 may be driven on a track around the interior ring 122.Many types of hull generators are known in the art, such as thosedisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,496,403, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

The WGS 100 may comprise a submerged platform 220. The submergedplatform 220 may be generally annular in shape. The submerged platform220 may be a buoyant structure, or a non-buoyant structure which issupported by buoyant devices or materials, such as air bladders,encapsulated polystyrene, or plastic barrels, and which may be held inplace by a plurality of anchors and cables 211. In various embodiments,the submerged platform 220 may be coupled to pilings which maintain thelocation of the submerged platform 220 over a fixed position of thebottom floor 215 of the surrounding body of water. The submergedplatform 220 may comprise a first interior pitch 231 adjacent to andlocated radially inward of the hull generator 205, a second interiorpitch 232 adjacent to and located radially inward of the first interiorpitch 231, and a third interior pitch 233 adjacent to and locatedradially inward of the second interior pitch 232. The first interiorpitch 231 may be positioned deeper relative to the surface of the bodyof water as compared to the second interior pitch 232 and the thirdinterior pitch 233. The second interior pitch 232 may be positioned atan angle relative to the surface of the body of water, such that theportion of the second interior pitch 232 adjacent to the first interiorpitch 231 is deeper than the portion of the second interior pitch 232adjacent to the third interior pitch 233.

Similarly, the submerged platform 220 may comprise a first exteriorpitch 221 adjacent to and located radially outward of the hull generator205, a second exterior pitch 222 adjacent to and located radiallyoutward of the first exterior pitch 221, and a third exterior pitch 223adjacent to and located radially outward of the second exterior pitch222. The first exterior pitch 221 may be positioned deeper relative tothe surface of the body of water as compared to the second exteriorpitch 222 and the third exterior pitch 223. The second exterior pitch222 may be positioned at an angle relative to the surface of the body ofwater, such that the portion of the second exterior pitch 222 adjacentto the first exterior pitch 221 is deeper than the portion of the secondexterior pitch 222 adjacent to the third exterior pitch 223. The variouspitches of the submerged platform 220 may be coupled by hinges 207 whichallow the relative angles between the various pitches to be adjusted.

In various embodiments, an energy dissipation system may be coupled to,or incorporated into the submerged platform 220. The energy dissipationmay be coupled to at least one of the top, the outer edge, the inneredge, the bottom, or within the submerged platform 220. For example,portions of the submerged platform 220 may comprise perforations,louvers, dampers, depressions, ridges, or various textures whichdissipate wave energy. Artificial or live plants or grass may be coupledto the submerged platform 220 to dissipate wave energy. In variousembodiments, multiple energy dissipation systems may be used incombination, particularly in areas that face or have the ability toimpact areas that may be susceptible to erosion.

The hull generator 205 may be driven by a track on the first exteriorpitch 221 and/or the first interior pitch 231. As the hull generator 205travels around the submerged platform 220, the hull generator 205 maydisplace water outwardly and inwardly from the hull generator 205. Theoutward displacement may generate the exterior wave, and the inwarddisplacement may generate the interior wave.

In various embodiments, the entire submerged platform 220 may be rotatedto generate waves. A motor may drive the rotation of the submergedplatform 220. In various embodiments, one or more boats may tow or pushon the submerged platform 220 in a tangential direction, causing thesubmerged platform 220 to rotate. The submerged platform 220 maycomprise wave generating structures coupled to the submerged platform220 that create the waves as the submerged platform 220 is rotated. Invarious embodiments, the submerged platform 220 may be towed, pushed, orotherwise driven in a linear direction to generate waves. The submergedplatform 220 may be a modular system which is capable of beingtransported in segments to a desired location, such as to the center ofa lake, where the submerged platform 220 may be reassembled and rotatedor linearly towed by one or more boats.

The shape of the submerged platform 220 may cause the generated waves tobreak in a desired manner. By raising or lowering the entire submergedplatform 220, the shape of the waves may be controlled. Additionally, byadjusting the relative angles of the various pitches of the submergedplatform 220, the shape of the waves may be adjusted. In general, as thewaves encounter the shallower regions of the submerged platform 220, thewaves will begin to break. For a detailed analysis of wave shape, seeSurfing Science, Proceedings of the 3^(rd) International Surfing ReefSymposium, Raglan, New Zealand, Jun. 22-25, 2003 pp. 1-36, which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As the exterior wave breaks over the third exterior pitch 223 of thesubmerged platform 220, the energy in the wave may be transmitted beyondthe exterior edge of the third exterior pitch 223 and be dissipated bythe surrounding body of water. Thus, turbulence may be reduced in thewater located above the submerged platform 220.

The submerged platform 220 may comprise an interior absorption area 210.The interior absorption area 210 may comprise an aperture in the centerof the submerged platform 220 located at the center of the thirdinterior pitch 233. As the interior wave breaks over the third interiorpitch 233, the energy in the interior wave may be transmitted throughthe interior absorption area 210, below the submerged platform 220, andto the surrounding body of water.

Referring to FIG. 3, a top view of a WGS 300 having a partial circularsubmerged platform is illustrated according to various embodiments. Ahull generator may follow a circular track under an interior ring 322.However, a segment of the submerged platform 320 may be removed. Theremoved segment may provide a channel 311 for surfers to paddle into theWGS 300. As illustrated, the hull generator and generated waves travelin a counter-clockwise direction within the WGS 300. However, as thewaves reach the terminal edge 326 of the submerged platform 320, theabsence of a submerged platform in that area may allow the wave energyto dissipate in the surrounding body of water. In various embodiments,the hull generator may change directions in response to reaching theterminal edge 326 of the submerged platform 320. The hull generator maythen create waves in a clockwise direction within the WGS 300. However,in various embodiments, the hull generator may continue on a track whichbridges between the terminal edge 326 of the submerged platform 320 anda leading edge 325 of the submerged platform 320. The absence of a thesubmerged platform 320 between the terminal edge 326 and the leadingedge 325 may result in only a small wave to be generated between theterminal edge 326 and the leading edge 325. In various embodiments, thehull generator may reduce speed between the terminal edge 326 and theleading edge 325 to reduce any resultant wave in that area.

In various embodiments, the WGS 300 may be separated from the land mass.An entrance deck 317 may extend from the land mass to the central deck304 to provide users a walkway to access the central deck 304. Energydissipation systems may be located below the entrance deck 317.Additionally, utilities may be coupled to the entrance deck to providepower etc. to buildings 330 located on the central deck 304.

Referring to FIG. 4, a section view of a WGS 400 with a portion of thesubmerged platform 420 located above water is illustrated according tovarious embodiments. Many variables are involved to determine the shapeof a wave, including the generation of the wave itself, the shape of thesubmerged platform 420, and the depth of the submerged platform 420. Invarious embodiments, the submerged platform 420 may be raised andlowered to affect the shape of the waves. The submerged platform 420 maybe anchored to the floor of the body of water by a plurality of cables411. The cables may be lengthened or shortened to change the height ofthe submerged platform 420 within the body of water. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the submerged platform 420 is raised such that at least aportion of the third exterior pitch 423 and at least a portion of thethird interior pitch 433 is located above the surface of the body ofwater. The resulting water above the submerged platform 420 is shallowerthan for a fully submerged platform, which may alter the shape, breakingcharacteristics, and breaking location of the waves. The portions of thesubmerged platform 420 located above the surface of the body of thewater may provide an area for users to relax. As the exterior wavebreaks, a portion of the wave may spill over the exterior edge of thesubmerged platform 420, which removes energy in the water located abovethe submerged platform 420. Similarly, as the interior wave breaks, aportion of the interior wave may spill into the interior absorption area410, which removes energy in the water located above the submergedplatform 420. Water may be returned to the area above the submergedplatform 420 by pumps, or by ports located in submerged portions of thesubmerged platform 420, which would maintain the water level above thesubmerged platform 420 at the same level as the surrounding body ofwater.

Referring to FIG. 5, a WGS 500 is illustrated with a submerged hullgenerator 505 according to various embodiments. The WGS 500 does notcomprise the interior ring described with reference to FIGS. 1-4. Thehull generator 505 may be fully or partially submerged, which may reducethe costs of building the interior ring, and may also be aestheticallypleasing. The hull generator 505 may travel along tracks 501 located ona top side of the submerged platform 520. A gap 502 may be presentbetween the first exterior pitch 521 and the first interior pitch 531 ofthe submerged platform 520. In various embodiments, the hull generator505 may be located at least partially in the gap 502. Water may freelytransfer through the gap 502 between the area above the submergedplatform 520 and the area below the submerged platform 520. The hullgenerator 505 may scoop water from below the submerged platform 520 anddirect the water through the gap 502 to create waves above the submergedplatform 520.

Referring to FIG. 6, a section view of a single-sided WGS 600 isillustrated according to various embodiments. The WGS 600 may comprise asingle-sided hull generator 605. The hull generator 605 may generatewaves to the interior of the hull generator 605. The hull generator 605may travel around the submerged platform 620 in a plurality of tracks603. The tracks 603 may be located in at least one of a top surface ofthe submerged platform 620, a bottom surface of the submerged platform620, or a side surface of the submerged platform 620. A portion of thehull generator 605 may extend below the submerged platform 620, and thehull generator 605 may scoop water from below the submerged platform 620to generate waves above the submerged platform 620. Thus, the waves maybe generated using relatively calm water from below the submergedplatform 620 which may generate cleaner waves. Additionally, locatingthe tracks on multiple surfaces of the submerged platform 620 mayincrease the strength and stability of the hull generator 605. A portionof the water and associated energy in the waves may exit through theinterior absorption area 610. Thus, the WGS 600 may continuously removeenergy from the water above the submerged platform 620 and create newwaves using calm water.

Referring to FIG. 7, a section view of a WGS 700 having a gas buoyancysystem is illustrated according to various embodiments. The submergedplatform 720 may be formed from a buoyant material. For example, thesubmerged platform 720 may comprise concrete with a polystyrene core.However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety ofmaterials may be used to form the submerged platform 720. Increasing thebuoyancy of the submerged platform 720 may increase the stability of thesubmerged platform 720. However, as the buoyancy is increased, theupward force on the cables 711 is increased, necessitating strongeranchoring systems. In various embodiments, it may be desirable to adjustthe buoyancy of the submerged platform 720 depending on the particularwaves being generated, the occupancy load, weather conditions, or otherfactors. A compressed gas 780, such as compressed air may be injectedbelow the submerged platform 720. The submerged platform 720 maycomprise an interior cylinder 741 extending downward from the thirdinterior pitch 733. The gas may be trapped by the interior cylinder 741and at least one of the third interior pitch 733, the second interiorpitch 732, or the first interior pitch 731 and form a gas cushion 785.The gas may provide an upward force on the submerged platform 720, ineffect increasing the buoyancy of the submerged platform 720. The gasmay be released by exhaust ports in the submerged platform 720 when theadditional buoyancy is no longer desired. Additional methods ofadjusting the buoyancy may include coupling buoyant objects to thesubmerged platform 720 or adding or removing weights from the submergedplatform 720.

The exterior edge of the first interior pitch 731 may comprise a varietyof shapes to accommodate the hull generator 705. For example, as shownin FIG. 7, the first interior pitch 731 may comprise an angled edge 729between the top surface of the submerged platform 720 and a side of thesubmerged platform 720.

Referring to FIG. 8, a WGS 800 with a first interior pitch 831 having acurved edge is illustrated according to various embodiments. The curvededged may accommodate a curved shape of the hull generator 805. The hullgenerator 805 may be flush with a bottom of an exterior cylinder 842extending downward from the first interior pitch 831. By having a flushrelationship, drag and turbulence may be decreased as the hull generator805 travels through the water, which may decrease the energy necessaryto drive the hull generator 805.

Referring to FIG. 9, a WGS 900 with a double-sided hull generator 905 ona column is illustrated according to various embodiments. In variousembodiments, the submerged platform 920 may comprise a first exteriorpitch 921 and a second exterior pitch 922 without a third exteriorpitch. Similarly, the submerged platform 920 may comprise a firstinterior pitch 931 and a second interior pitch 932 without a thirdinterior pitch. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that submergedplatforms having any number of pitches are contemplated by thedisclosure. The submerged platform 920 may comprise a column 950extending vertically upward from the submerged platform 920. The hullgenerator 905 may ride along the column 950. The column 950 may providestrength and stability to the hull generator 905. The hull generator 905may additionally travel in tracks in the first exterior pitch 921 and/orthe first interior pitch 931. An interior cylinder 941 and an exteriorcylinder 942 may extend downward from the interior edge and the exterioredge of the submerged platform 920. The interior cylinder 941 and theexterior cylinder 942 may prevent users from entering the area below thesubmerged platform 920 and becoming trapped.

Referring to FIG. 10, a WGS 1000 comprising a vortex generator 1010 isillustrated according to various embodiments. The vortex generator 1010may be located within the center of the submerged platform 1020. Thevortex generator 1010 may comprise a plurality of paddles 1012 whichrotate. The paddles 1012 may create a vortex 1014 which drives waterfrom above the submerged platform 1020 downward through the interior ofthe submerged platform 1020. The vortex 1014 may pull turbulent,energetic water from above the submerged platform 1020 and transmit thisenergy to the area below the submerged platform 1020, which may then bedissipated by the surrounding body of water. Additionally, the paddles1012 may be rotated in the opposite direction of the direction of thehull generator 1005, which may decrease the angular momentum of thewater above the submerged platform 1020, as well as offset rotation ofthe entire WGS 1000. The vortex area may be covered by a grate toprevent users and equipment from being dragged under the submergedplatform 1020.

Referring to FIG. 11, a WGS 1100 is illustrated with a submergedplatform 1120 having a curved exterior pitch. The WGS 1100 comprises adouble-sided hull generator 1105. The submerged platform 1120 comprisesa substantially flat first exterior pitch 1121 and a substantially flatfirst interior pitch 1131. The first exterior pitch 1121 transitions toa convex second exterior pitch 1122. The second exterior pitch 1122transitions to a gently sloped third exterior pitch 1123. In contrast,the first interior pitch 1131 transitions to a moderately sloped secondinterior pitch 1132 of constant slope. The submerged platform 1120 issubmerged to a depth where water on both sides of the hull generator1105 is substantially greater than 1.3 times the height of the generatedwaves, which is roughly the ratio at which waves begin to break. Due tothe asymmetrical shape of the submerged platform 1120, the waves willbegin to break at different distances from the hull generator 1105.However, as the slope of the submerged platform 1120 at the point wherethe waves begin to break is the same for the interior wave and theexterior wave, both waves result in a plunging wave which may besuitable for advanced surfers.

Referring to FIG. 12, the WGS 1100 is illustrated with the submergedplatform 1120 at a lower depth than in FIG. 11. With the loweredsubmerged platform 1120, the location at which the waves begin to breakchanges. Because the slope of the second interior pitch 1132 isconstant, the resultant wave is still a plunging wave. However, becausethe slope of the second exterior pitch 1122 decreases with increasingdistance from the hull generator 1105, the exterior wave changes to aspilling wave, which may be more suitable for beginning surfers. Thedifference exhibited in FIGS. 11 and 12 is just one example of howaltering the depth or shape of the submerged platform 1120 may createdifferently shaped waves.

Although primarily described with reference to annular wave generationsystems, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conceptsdescribed herein may be advantageous for linear wave generation systems,or wave generation systems of any shape. Similarly, although primarilydescribed with reference to hull generators, the concepts describedherein may be utilized with other wave generation means, such as a wavecannon barge, a boat passing along the edge of the submerged platform,or any other suitable means.

In the detailed description herein, references to “one embodiment”, “anembodiment”, “various embodiments”, etc., indicate that the embodimentdescribed may include a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include theparticular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrasesare not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic is described inconnection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within theknowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure,or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or notexplicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparentto one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure inalternative embodiments.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed herein with regard to specific embodiments. Furthermore, theconnecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein areintended to represent various functional relationships and/or physicalcouplings between the various elements. It should be noted that manyalternative or additional functional relationships or physicalconnections may be present in a practical system. However, the benefits,advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause anybenefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced arenot to be construed as critical, required, or essential features orelements of the inventions. The scope of the inventions is accordinglyto be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in whichreference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one andonly one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.”Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” is usedin the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to meanthat A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present inan embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that anycombination of the elements A, B and C may be present in a singleembodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C.Different cross-hatching is used throughout the figures to denotedifferent parts but not necessarily to denote the same or differentmaterials.

Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the presentdisclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless ofwhether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited inthe claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under theprovisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the element is expressly recitedusing the phrase “means for.” As used herein, the terms “comprises”,“comprising”, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover anon-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, orapparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only thoseelements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherentto such process, method, article, or apparatus.

I claim:
 1. A wave generation system comprising: a submerged annularplatform; and a wave generator coupled to the submerged annularplatform.
 2. The wave generation system of claim 1, wherein thesubmerged annular platform is buoyant.
 3. The wave generation system ofclaim 1, further comprising a plurality of cables coupling the submergedannular platform to a bottom of a surrounding body of water.
 4. The wavegeneration system of claim 1, further comprising an exterior ring. 5.The wave generation system of claim 4, wherein a portion of the exteriorring comprises a reflection wall.
 6. The wave generation system of claim1, further comprising an aperture in a center of the submerged annularplatform.
 7. The wave generation system of claim 1, wherein a depth ofthe submerged annular platform is adjustable.
 8. The wave generationsystem of claim 1, wherein the wave generator comprises a double-sidedhull generator.
 9. The wave generation system of claim 1, wherein thewave generation system is configured to transmit wave energy to asurrounding body of water.
 10. The wave generation system of claim 1,wherein the wave generator is located at least partially below thesubmerged annular platform.
 11. The wave generation system of claim 1,wherein a pitch of at least a portion of the submerged annular platformis adjustable.
 12. The wave generation system of claim 1, furthercomprising a vortex generator coupled to the submerged annular platform.13. The wave generation system of claim 1, further comprising a firsttrack for the wave generator located in a bottom surface of thesubmerged annular platform.
 14. The wave generation system of claim 13,further comprising a second track for the wave generator located in atop surface of the submerged annular platform.
 15. The wave generationsystem of claim 1, wherein the submerged annular platform comprises aconvex pitch.
 16. The wave generation system of claim 1, furthercomprising a gas injection system configured to increase buoyancy of thesubmerged annular platform.
 17. The wave generation system of claim 1,wherein the wave generator is configured to generate a plunging wave.18. The wave generation system of claim 1, further comprising aninterior absorption area.
 19. The wave generation system of claim 1,wherein a portion of the submerged annular platform is located above asurface of a surrounding body of water.
 20. A wave generation systemcomprising: a submerged platform, wherein the submerged platform isbuoyant, wherein the submerged platform comprises an aperture in acenter of the submerged platform; a plurality of cables coupling thesubmerged platform to a bottom of a surrounding body of water; a trackcoupled to the submerged platform; and a wave generator coupled to thesubmerged platform, wherein the wave generator is configured to movealong the track.